Risk Sunak appointed UK’s Prime Minister; world leaders welcome new premier

Rishi Sunak has been appointed Prime Minister of the UK and First Lord of the Treasury.

Sunak, the country’s first British-Asian premier, met with King Charles III at Buckingham Palace earlier today, after which he delivered his first speech outside 10 Downing Street.

“I’ve just been to Buckingham Palace and accepted His Majesty the King’s invitation to form a government in his name. Right now, our country is facing a profound economic crisis,” he said.

I will unite our country, not with words, but with action.

I will work day in and day out to deliver for you.

Watch my speech from Downing Street 👇 pic.twitter.com/diOBuwBqXc

— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) October 25, 2022

“I will place economic stability and confidence at the heart of this government’s agenda,” Sunak added.

The King received The Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP at Buckingham Palace today.

His Majesty asked him to form a new Administration. Mr. Sunak accepted His Majesty’s offer and was appointed Prime Minister and First Lord of the Treasury. pic.twitter.com/UnT3jMS8so

— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) October 25, 2022

Sunak was announced leader of the Conservative Party on October 24, after rival Penny Mordaunt failed to secure enough support.

Read: Rishi Sunak becomes UK’s first British Asian Prime Minister

An erstwhile hedge fund partner, Sunak has taken the reins from Liz Truss, who resigned from the country’s top job last week. Truss served in her role as the country’s Prime Minister for 45 days, making her Britain’s short-serving premier.

Read: Liz Truss resigns as UK Prime Minister after 45 days in office

However, she extended her support to Sunak post his appointment as Conservative Party head.

Congratulations @RishiSunak on being appointed as Leader of the Conservative Party and our next Prime Minister.

You have my full support.

— Liz Truss (@trussliz) October 24, 2022

World leaders

Meanwhile, congratulatory messages as well as those of support have poured in from across the world.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan congratulated Sunak on assuming the PM role.

Congratulations to Rishi Sunak on becoming Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. The UAE and UK share a deeply-rooted history of friendship and partnership, and I look forward to building on our strong ties to benefit our two nations and our people.

— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) October 26, 2022

Ukraine President, Volodymyr Zelensky, congratulated Sunak on taking office.

Congratulations to @RishiSunak on taking office as 🇬🇧 Prime Minister! I wish you to successfully overcome all the challenges facing British society and the whole world today. I’m ready to continue strengthening the 🇺🇦-🇬🇧 strategic partnership together!

— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) October 25, 2022

Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, also welcomed the new premier.

Warmest congratulations @RishiSunak! As you become UK PM, I look forward to working closely together on global issues, and implementing Roadmap 2030. Special Diwali wishes to the ‘living bridge’ of UK Indians, as we transform our historic ties into a modern partnership.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 24, 2022

Irish PM Micheál Martin said that he ‘looked forward to working’ with Sunak.

Congratulations @RishiSunak on becoming leader of the Conservative Party.

I look forward to working with you, as British PM, on the important issues we face on these islands, and globally.

— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) October 24, 2022

Saudi Arabia‘s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman both congratulated Sunak on his win.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and HRH Crown Prince Congratulate Rishi Sunak on his Election as Prime Minister of United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. #SPAGOV pic.twitter.com/sDjFv6IeK4

— SPAENG (@Spa_Eng) October 25, 2022